What is the role of the child in medical decision making?
Using the intensely emotional choice to pursue or decline life-saving or sustaining medical treatment as an exemplar, this paper first outlines the specific set of child rights that defines the role of the child in medical decision making and then explores the weight and power held by the child’s voice in this specific clinical encounter.
What are the rights of a parent in giving medical treatment?
In giving or withholding permission for medical treatment for their children, parents/guardians are expected to safeguard their children’s physical health and well-being and to nurture their children’s developing personhood and autonomy.
How young is too young to discuss medical treatment with children?
For example, “children as young as 7 can express an informed agreement with proposed medical treatment, and … if the child is properly informed and involved in the discussion, this can “foster the moral growth and development of autonomy in young patients.””
Can a parent refuse medical treatment for their child?
In the United States, adults can refuse any medical care, as long as they’re competent to make their own decisions. But it gets complicated when parents deny treatment for their children, especially when religion is involved.
Do children have the right to contribute to medical decisions about their own care An analysis of policy and practice in the United Kingdom and United States?
In the United Kingdom, children are recognized as reciprocal partners in their own care, a validation of autonomy and personhood substantiated by legal mechanisms of human rights protection.
How do you explain a medical procedure to a child?
Explain the procedure in language your child understands, using plain words. Avoid abstract terms. Make sure your child understands the exact body part involved in the test, and that the procedure will be limited to that area. Try to describe how the test will feel.
Do children have the right to know their medical diagnosis?
In pediatrics, informed consent is at best an imperfect fit [8-10, 15]. Generally, a pediatric patient is not and never has been legally competent to make medical decisions. Until the child reaches 18, legal authority is vested in the patient's parents to determine what is in their child's best interest.
What is the #1 reason that kids visit a doctor?
1) Cough. Does it surprise you to learn that the most frequent illness-related reason for all of those annual physician visits is a cough, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? Children usually cough when a common cold causes mucus to trickle down the back of the throat.
How do you explain surgery to a 6 year old?
How you can helpMake sure your child knows why he or she is having surgery. ... Explain the benefits of your child's surgery. ... Choices can increase your child's sense of control, so offer them when appropriate and possible.Ask your child to explain back to you what is going to happen at the hospital.More items...
How do you explain surgery to a 3 year old?
For Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old)Schedule a pre-surgery or operating room tour close to your child's surgery date.Begin talking to your child several days before his or her surgery.Use a toy medical kit to play doctor with your child.Read books about doctors and hospitals.
Can doctors lie for you?
A court could consider any lie that affects a patient's ability to give their informed consent a breach of duty and bring forward a medical malpractice lawsuit. A doctor's duty of care states that the physician must give enough information for the patient to provide informed consent.
Should you tell a patient they are dying?
There is no right or wrong thing to say to a dying person. You may want to share memories or make sure your loved one knows you love them. A therapist or hospice social worker can help make conversations about dying easier.
Should parents be able to say they don't want medical treatment for their kids?
Parents have the responsibility and authority to make medical decisions on behalf of their children. This includes the right to refuse or discontinue treatments, even those that may be life-sustaining. However, parental decision-making should be guided by the best interests of the child.
Why do most kids go to the ER?
Children taken to the emergency room are there for trauma-related injuries. Even though wearing adequate head protection can help to prevent these types of injuries, head trauma can still occur.
Why do kids go to clinic?
A children's clinic functions just like an adult clinic but with the added benefit of having doctors who focus particularly on the field of children's medicine. They have studied illnesses as they pertain to children in order to provide better care to young kids.
What are the benefits of taking a child to the clinic?
At a well checkup, your pediatrician conduct a comprehensive review of your child's physical, emotional, and developmental well-being. It also gives parents the opportunity to raise questions and concerns regarding your child's health.